Anti-Asthma Drugs

β2-agonistsActs on a G-protein coupled receptor to ↑ cellular levels of adenylyl cyclase, ↑ cAMP, which results in smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilatation.

CorticosteroidsGlucocorticoids are steroid hormones that bind to specific intracellular receptors and translocate into the nucleus, where they regulate gene expression in a tissue-specific manner. They are used in asthma as they cause:

MethylxanthinesMethylxanthines are phosphodiesterase inhibitors, reducing levels of cAMP hydrolysis and increased intracellular levels of cAMP (via a different mechanism, so they are synergistic with β2 agonists) and causing smooth muscle relaxation.